The plumbing field continues to grow in North Dakota, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics remains optimistic about the future of the profession not only in this state but across the country. Residents of North Dakota who want to pursue a successful plumbing career must remember the profession’s general requirements and the specific state mandates needed to secure a legal position.
The guide on this page seeks to introduce candidates to all of the above considerations in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner. We analyze the educational options that candidates may choose for both classroom and hands-on training and explore the licensing and certification requirements in detail.
How to Become a Plumber in North Dakota
The steps below are considered the norm for becoming a plumber in North Dakota.
Completing Basic Requirements
Dedicating time to complete the basic requirements to become a plumber will allow candidates to enjoy a smooth process from learning to employment. These basic requirements include having a high school diploma or GED and being fundamentally sound in science and mathematics.
Educational Pathways
For their education, prospective plumbers in North Dakota are usually better placed for success on the job if they fulfill two major areas, namely:
Classroom Education
Classroom education is important to set the foundation for every other kind of training as a prospective plumber. Like most trade professions, a certain understanding of the job can only be obtained from analyzing the principles governing everything professionals do in the real world.
Attending a trade school or community college can lead to this kind of education. Several impressive options are available in the area. In an upcoming section, we will examine some of the best and most prominent.
Hands-On Education
Just as it is important to receive classroom education to understand foundational principles, it is also very important to know what it feels like to work in an actual plumbing environment. This is why hands-on education is important for a prospective plumber.
Such educational opportunities can be found thanks to apprenticeship organizations, including trade unions and non-union organizations.
Consider trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Plumbers in the state of North Dakota are expected to receive a license to start their careers and practice legally. The North Dakota State Plumbing Board is responsible for issuing this license.
The state also has a general contractors license issued by the North Dakota Secretary of State Office for those working as plumbing contractors. The state has three licensing types for regular technicians: a plumber license, a journeyman plumber license, and a master plumber license.
Candidates who have completed a training program may apply to the state board for the journeyman plumber license. They must pay an application fee of $100 and register for the journeyman plumber licensing exam.
Successful exam candidates must pay $75 for the license and renew it annually on December 31st. They are also expected to complete four credits of continuing education every two years.
After working as a journeyman plumber for 2 years, candidates may apply for the master plumber license, which has an application fee of $200 and yearly renewal requirements.
Top Plumbing Schools in North Dakota
The entries below offer comprehensive education for aspiring plumbers in North Dakota.
North Dakota State College of Science
Wahpeton, ND Campus Only
North Dakota State College of Science offers a plumbing program following an industry-standard curriculum.
Tuition
$90 - $154 per CreditContact
(701) 671-2585
Tanner.Oliphant@ndscs.edu
University of North Dakota
Online , ND Online Only
The University of North Dakota offers convenient training through an online Foundation of Plumbing program containing 145 hours of instruction.
Tuition
$2,245 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
UA Local 300
Fargo, ND Campus Only
UA Local 300 offers apprenticeship programs with several qualified instructors and an emphasis on professionalism. Key topics include water supply standards, materials identification, calculations, and plumbing fixtures.
Tuition
Call for DetailsContact
(701) 237-5968
ndenning@ua300.com
Explore plumbing schools in North Dakota by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary for a plumber in North Dakota who is just starting their career and is among the bottom 10% is $46,839. The annual average salary for those among the top 10% is $108,919, while the annual income for those among the median earners is $71,426.
The factors that influence the annual average salary of a plumber in North Dakota include experience, credentials, specialization, and location. Regarding the last point, Bismarck is the place where plumbers in the state are most highly rewarded, with an annual average salary of $119,830.
Other notable mentions are Hillsboro, with an annual average salary of $66,111, and Fargo, with an annual average salary of $59,198.
State residents who want to pursue a career in this field will also be glad that projections are positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and other employment platforms insist on a positive yearly growth in employment rate for the next decade.